Save Article

The 'Gee-Whiz' Factor: Do VCs
Seek Cutting Edge Technology?

By

Charles Fleming Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Feb. 13, 2001 12:23 p.m. ET

PARIS -- A friend asked me the other day why I spent so much time writing about venture capital. After all, she pointed out, the sums of money involved are relatively modest compared with stock and bond markets. Wouldn't it be more interesting to write about big bucks?

My answer was the Gee-Whiz factor. Venture capitalists are at the cutting edge, I explained. They're seeking out inventions that will change your life. Look at what...